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Independence Day Struggle

Maggie

Day 284

Today is the 4th of July. America’s Independence Day. A day of family gatherings, BBQ, and celebrations capped off with wondrous displays of fireworks.

But my heart struggles.

Today I think about the situation at our southern border. I think about the people who came here frightened, looking for a better way of life — a safer life. This is what my ancestors did hundreds of years ago. I think about how precarious the journey must have been for some of them in the 1700’s. Records are lost so I cannot know for sure, but history paints a strong picture.

America was to be the great melting pot.

I do not have the answers to solve these problems, but I believe with all my heart, the current solution is a horrible one. My ancestors certainly were not native to this country. They were poor, hardworking people who came here hoping to make a better life. As a result, I am able to live today with relative comfort.

I love my country, but I do not love its politics.

I had hoped we put a lot of our sad history behind us. Not to forget, but to overcome.

Sadly, there is an undercurrent of hate that I find alarming.

I know we are all different. I know we often disagree. But it is hard for me to understand how any American is not disturbed by the same things that haunt me.

Lady Liberty, I believe your true heart is breaking today.

Please don’t give up on us. There are a lot of really good people fighting the good fight. People who want to see your heart whole again.

May we all join in the pursuit of peace for all people.

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15 thoughts on “Independence Day Struggle”

  1. The sad truth is that many, too many in fact, think that 45 is correct. It has led to demise of common sense.
    I have friends that retired in your neck of the woods. Now they question the climate. It seems that not being lily white is an issue they did not expect.
    Everywhere in our nation there are people who are stepping backwards in time to a place of less compassion and less comradery. Woman’s rights are taking a huge step backward. The rights of those seeking a better life are not even being considered by most.
    It makes me sad to see how many negative changes are occurring in this once great nation. We are going backwards and not forward. It is heartbreaking.
    We are all immigrants. Except of course the people who were here before the Europeans. And don’t get me started on my soapbox about their ongoing mistreatment.
    My family came to America after the tragic losses suffered at Hitler’s hands. Like most people they came to America in the hopes of a place to find peace and happiness.
    Once upon a time America was the land of opportunity. Now it seems it is only so for those that meet the “criteria” of certain people in charge.
    Sorry for the long post, but I too am sad as an American to see what is happening in my country.
    Gentle hugs, Maggie.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Reflection of where we all come from and what blessings we have should humble us and make us more accepting. Instead, we have taken a defensive posture toward others who come from a their own challenging circumstances. It is heartbreaking.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I recently read “These Truths” by Jill Lepore, a comprehensive history of our country. It helped me realize that these contradictions have been there from the start. It certainly doesn’t make the present tragedy all right, but it did give me some helpful context. The “land of the free” that I was told about in school in the 1950’s was always a myth more than a reality.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Elizabeth, I remember you writing about her book before. I definitely know our history was not what we were taught in school. I just always hope we are capable of being a better people and learn from our mistakes. I know I was fortunate and in many ways it is that knowledge that makes the hatred so hard to accept. Thank you for your comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. This is a very good post for Independence Day, Maggie. I wish the people we sent to Washington to solve these problems would wake up and realize that they have a job to do.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I agree with you all. My grandparents all came from European countries. Many of their relatives were slaughtered by Hitler. I SO fear this type of behavior is festering again in our beloved USA.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I’m with you, Maggie. I keep hoping enough people will wake up and realize how far off course we’ve gone and help us get back on a healthier path of compassion and peace for all. Excellent post.

    Liked by 1 person

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